Planting guide · zone 6b
When to plant basil in zone 6b
In zone 6b, the average last spring frost is Apr 21 and the first fall frost is Oct 22. Here is basil's whole year, counted from those dates.
Mar 24Start seeds indoorsSpring
Apr 14Succession start 2Spring
Apr 28Transplant into the gardenSpring
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Rich, moist, warm soil. Basil sulks below 50°F — don't rush it outside.
Seedling care
Start 4 weeks before last frost and transplant only after nights stay warm.
Growing notes
Pinch the growing tip weekly to force branching; flower spikes turn the leaves bitter, so nip them.
Harvest
Harvest from the top down, never strip the bottom. A hard cut-back in midsummer brings a fresh flush.